Corey Said:

Does OT(occupational therapy) apply only to children or also for adults?

We Answered:

Occupational therapy applies to children as well as adults.Infact i would say an otist works in N.I.C.U ( for neonates), in paediatrics( for small children n youngsters) , in adult setups, in geriatrics( for elders) etc. An otist covers up all the stages of life. Some of the fields in which Otists work are - orthopaedics,neurology, paediatrics,surgery,medicine, rheumatology,industrial rehabilitation,mental health,vocational training, geriatrics, cardio-respiratory etc.The main aim of OT is to make an individual as independent as possible by using ' purposeful activities' n not just exercises.

Peter Said:

Why would an otherwise healthy child feel sensory deprivation and need occupational therapy?

We Answered:

I think you are asking about a child that appears "normal" that ends up receiving occupational therapy for sensory needs. If this is correct, here is my answer:

Some children may develop some skills normally (like walking and running), but have more difficulties with maintaining emotional balance (may tantrum easily), fine motor skills and more complex learning skills.

After a referral from their doctor and a thorough evaluation it may be found that their brain is not processing sensations like most people do. They may have trouble feeling sensations (causing a sensory deprivation like state in the body and brain)- this is trouble with sensory registration. They may have trouble telling sensations apart and this is called sensory discrimination. Or, they may have trouble pulling all their sensations together into a meaningful message. This means they may have a sensory modulation problem.

In addition to the five common senses, sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch; there are two foundational senses- vestibular/balance and proprioception (a feeling of your arms, legs and body and their position in space). These two foundation senses help a child make sense of the many experiences they have each day and help them make the most of the environmental sensory experience and enhance learning. If these two senses are not coordinated in the brain the child may benefit from occupational therapy using a sensory integration frame of reference.

Hope that helps answer your question.

Andrea Said:

Attn Parents of children receiving OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY:?

We Answered:

1. How old is your child now? she is 7

2. How did you first suspect your child had a problem? at birth

3. How were you told about the problem? What was the diagnosis? we was told that she had trouble with her right hand...she couldn't open it all the way...kinda like someone who has had a stroke

4. What were or are the most difficult symptoms of the diagnosis for you to deal with? it was never really difficult...she had to wear a brace thing called a joe cool

5. How did they get the referral for occupational therapy? we got it from the hospital

6. What special services does your child receive? she receives OT and PT

7. What changes have you seen from occupational therapy? she can open and close her hand better now

8. What do you hope to see in the future?her hand to continue to get better